Prayer service to focus on regional drug crisis

KINGSPORT — A community prayer service is coming up this weekend at First Baptist Church, and people from all denominations are invited to join in.

What can you expect at the service?

Marvin Cameron, pastor of First Baptist Church, said his church and Central Baptist have co-hosted the biannual prayer service since its inception in 2015.

Instead of focusing on unity, as it has done in the past, this service will focus on the drug crisis facing the region. Jason Abernathy of the Insight Alliance in Johnson City will serve as the speaker.

“He has some experience with recovery, and he’s just going to talk about how churches can help address the needs of people in recovery,” Cameron said. “The other thing we’re doing this time that’s different is always before, we’ve just had ministers lead the prayers. This time we’ve asked people in the community to do that, community leaders.”

When and where will it be held?

The service will begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 26, at First Baptist Church, located at 200 W. Church Circle in Kingsport.

Following Abernathy’s talk, a joint choir comprised of people from several regional churches will perform. A time of prayer will conclude the service.

“We’re going to pray for people who are on drugs, pray for people who have family members who are affected by it, pray for doctors and counselors and so forth,” Cameron said. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Who can participate?

Cameron said 15 to 20 churches have partnered for the service, but anyone is welcome.

“We invite everybody in the city,” Cameron said. “We have several pastors that have been sort of plugged-in from the start, but we’d like anybody to come.”